Hyundai N Eyes Fourth Straight Victory at Nürburgring 24 Hours, Unveils IONIQ 5 N TA Spec for Pikes Peak Challenge
Hyundai N Aims for Fourth Consecutive Win at Nürburgring 24 Hours
Hyundai N is set to secure its fourth consecutive TCR class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. The motorsport giant also unveiled its IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec variant, preparing for the prestigious Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It also announced collaboration plans with the popular PlayStation sim-racing video game Gran Turismo.
Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company shared his enthusiasm for their return to this esteemed event. "We're delighted to demonstrate the global growth of our motorsport programme and are committed to leading in electric motorsport innovation with our first electric racer for Pikes Peak and our continued partnership with Gran Turismo," stated Wartenberg.
Hyundai N's lineup includes three ELANTRA N TCR cars, aiming for a continuous winning streak at the Nordschleife. Teams comprising international champions from North America, Europe, and China will compete under the banners of car numbers 830, 831, and 832. Mikel Azcona, Marc Basseng, and Manuel Lauck aim to repeat their previous TCR-class successes in car #830.
The Bryan Herta Autosport team, supported by Hyundai Motor America, returns with the #831 car, featuring drivers Mason Filippi, Harry Gottsacker, Mark Wilkins, and Bryson Morris, following an outstanding performance in 2023. Meanwhile, the #832 car features TCR China stars Martin Cao, Rainey He, Andy Yan, and Zhang Zhen Dong at the helm, with Cao defending his 2023 national series title.
Furthermore, the Hyundai Driving Experience i30 Fastback N will compete in the VT2 Front-Wheel-Drive class with a team that includes 2023 class victors Marcus Willhardt, Michael Bohrer, Jens Dralle, and promising Korean Junior driver Gyumin Kim.
At the N24 showcase, Hyundai Motor unveiled two IONIQ 5 N TA Spec models to compete in the Electric Production SUV/Crossover and Electric Modified SUV/Crossover categories at the forthcoming 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. These vehicles are engineered to maximise the performance capabilities of the IONIQ 5 N’s high-performance power electric system, enhancing output through advanced software tuning.
The cars have state-of-the-art modifications such as N Active Sound+ with enhanced speakers, motorsport-specific shock absorbers, high-performance brakes, Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tyres, and a high-downforce aerodynamic package. Safety enhancements include a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, a Sabelt six-point Hans safety harness, a PPIHC specification roll cage, and an EV fire suppression system.
The Pikes Peak challenge will see these vehicles ascend a 12.42-mile course, battling high-altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions, driven by notable motorsport figures, including four-time overall winner Robin Shute and World Rally Championship driver Dani Sordo.
Hyundai N's ongoing commitment to motorsport excellence further underscores its continued partnership with Gran Turismo, fostering cutting-edge sim-racing activities.
Visitors to Hyundai’s N24 stand can also engage with ten Gran Turismo simulators, participating in on-site competitions throughout the event.
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec boasts an impressive 687 PS from its PE system and a robust charging system capable of achieving 80% charge in just 18 minutes under optimal conditions. This car’s Pikes Peak adaptations underscore Hyundai's dedication to combining performance with innovative technology, setting new benchmarks in electric motorsports.
